When it comes to lip glosses, lip balms, lipsticks etc I tend to buy then on a very regular basis. My general reasons for buying them are that they are on offer or new shades have been released. However, due to having such a large collection I tend to have these products spread amongst my handbags, make up bag, jacket/coat pockets and even my car! I am not brand loyal and will try any product from any brand once as although I do believe in 'you get what you pay for' I also do think there are a few little bargains to be had!

A few months back Rimmel had their products on offer in Boots and I couldn't really help myself. Rimmel is a brand that I have used before and I haven't limited myself to just one product so I do know the brand pretty well but I do have fairly mixed views when it comes to their products but I was impressed with their new range of products one of which was the London Vinyl Max Lip Gloss. A brand new product which had just been launched I was able to get it at a slightly reduced price which was even better and with the range of shades that were on offer it was hard choosing just one as they all were lovely.

"For louder, bigger, bolder and braver pouts, you've come to the right place." This is how Rimmel describe this lip gloss which I guess if you have thinner lips will be a big selling point but personally I don't have incredibly thin lips, just normal, it wasn't a big selling point but Rimmel do promise that the lip gloss will keep your lips feeling soft and smooth which is always a benefit as some lip glosses can dry out your lips. They do go on to promise that the gloss gives intense volume and colour whilst giving full coverage. But what makes this lip gloss so great? Well Rimmel claim that their plumping formula with its magnifying complex is based on Hyaluronic spheres which volumise, smooth lips and reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a fuller, plumper effect.

The lip gloss itself comes in a rather chunky tube which features a black slightly shaped handle and on the top it features the Rimmel crown in a clear setting. On the tube itself there is the product name and of course Rimmel signature logo. The tube itself is clear so you can easily see the colour of the lip gloss although on the bottom of the tube it does indicate which shade you have chosen. The gloss itself looks quite metallic when in the tube, almost slightly luxurious but none the less doesn't look much different to many other lip glosses on the market. The shade I purchased was 'Breathless' which is a pale brown almost a deep peach colour with brown metallic tones, out of all the available shades this one is the most reserved as the others are brighter but this still has a lovely metallic hue to it.

The big difference between this lip gloss and another is that it has a rather large applicator wand and by large I mean enormous! This is to give full coverage with one single stroke which in itself is a great idea as you don't over use the gloss and it is quick and easy to apply. However, in reality I found that there is just far too much lip gloss on the wand for one application, I don't like the big glossy, shiny lip look, I personally just like a dash of colour with a little sheen but this gives a full on gloss look which is the look you get from over applying too much. So I do have to wipe the wand a little to reduce the amount that I am going to apply but according to Rimmel the soft fibres of the wand applies a thicker gloss for a voluptuous shine which yes the lip gloss certainly goes on thick but has a water effect of just looking to glossy and a bit fake.

However, on the plus side applying the lip gloss is easy as it does go on smooth and without any problems but it is just too thick. Rimmel does claim that this gloss is lightweight but there is nothing light about it! It goes on thickly and stays thick which is not particularly nice as the wand does leave quite a bit of excess and it just feels gloopy rather than lightweight and non-sticky which it certainly is. Although I'm not wanting the big, full on glossy look Rimmel does promise that it is lightweight and glides on effortlessly. And yes whilst the latter is true it certainly doesn't feel lightweight once applied. It is sticky and does have an unpleasant taste to it which although isn't a major downside it is still something that is quite annoying.

I am certainly not impressed with this lip gloss but maybe I am just not the right sort of customer for this specific lip gloss as I am not wanting the full on gloss look, just a lip gloss that provides amazing colour and will actually last. Despite its flaws its staying power is actually pretty good but that is once the excess gloss has worn off! But be careful if applying it on dry or chapped lips as it does have a tendency to stain the lips. I still use mine as I have persevered with it but I only apply such a tiny amount to get the amazing colour it offers. However, I do think the wand is just too big as it just gives too much gloss when applying, so a smaller wand would definitely be a lot more practical. Would I buy it again? Definitely not, it is far too heavy and sticky to be a permanent fixture in my make up bag which is a shame. Would I recommend it? Only to those who want the full on gloss look which could be classed as just a little tacky!

According to Boots' description - "It's time to pump up the volume - go big, or go home." I honestly think I am going to go home! Not one for me!

~ Useful Info ~

Brand: Rimmel
Shades: Excess, Dazzle, Breathless, Desire, Addictive, Outrageous
Price: £5.49 (Boots Jan 2012)
Amount: 8ml